Congratulations! You have passed your driving test, and it must be an exciting and nerve-wracking experience. After spending months with the learner plate, learning lessons, and practising for many days, you finally have your full driving licence and are ready to hit the road. Think for a second, this was your dream a few days ago: passing the driving test.
But what happens next? Read this guide to learn about it. This blog post will explore what happens after I pass my driving test and provide valuable tips to become a safe driver. Whether you are a first-time driver or have just moved to the UK, this post will provide valuable information on what to expect after passing your driving test. Let’s get started!
Get a Driving Test Pass Certificate
First, your examiner will give you a pass certificate as proof of passing after passing your driving test. This certificate can be used to prove your driving test success until you receive your photocard driving licence. However, carrying the pass certificate with you while driving is not mandatory.
Although you can drive now with the pass certificate, it is a temporary document to confirm your test success until you receive your driving licence. But the driving licence is the official document that allows you to drive legally, and it is recommended to carry it with you at all times while driving.
Receive your Driving Licence
Once you have your test pass certificate, the next step is to apply for the new pink driving licence and swap it with the old green provisional licence. There are two ways you can apply for this:
- When you pass, choose to receive your full driving licence, which is a preferred way by most examiners. But you have to submit your provisional licence if you select this method.
- You can apply for the full licence if you don’t want to go through the automatic process; go to the DVSA website to check more information. But remember, this is applicable only for two years after passing the driving test.
Note: You should receive your driving licence within three weeks of passing your driving test. If you have not received your licence after three weeks, contact the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).
Buy Car Insurance
It is essential to purchase car insurance in the UK, as it is a legal obligation for all drivers to have at least third-party car insurance before driving on public roads. This implies that if you are held responsible for an accident, your insurance will cover the costs associated with repairing or replacing the other driver’s vehicle or paying for their medical expenses. Hence, having car insurance is crucial for protecting yourself and other drivers on the road.
In addition, car insurance can provide financial protection for you and your own vehicle. Comprehensive car insurance offers more extensive coverage compared to third-party car insurance. In addition to covering the costs of repairing or replacing the other driver’s vehicle or paying for their medical expenses, comprehensive car insurance can also cover the costs of repairing or replacing your car if it is damaged or stolen. Furthermore, it can protect you against any legal claims made against you. Therefore, comprehensive car insurance can provide you with added peace of mind and greater protection in case of unforeseen circumstances.
Here are a few tips you should keep in mind when buying car insurance:
- Compare Policies from Different Providers: It’s essential to shop around and compare them to find the best deal for you. You can use price comparison websites to compare policies and prices.
- Consider the Level of Cover You Need: Different levels of cover are available, from third-party to fully comprehensive. Consider your budget and what level of coverage you need before deciding.
- Check for Any Exclusions or Limitations: One should carefully review the policy documents and examine for any exclusions or limitations, such as mileage limits or constraints on who can operate the vehicle.
- Check for Additional Benefits: Some policies may offer additional benefits, such as breakdown cover or insurance for legal expenses. Check to see if any of these benefits are included in your policy.
- Consider Your Excess: The excess is the amount you must pay for any claim you make. Consider how much excess you can afford to pay in the event of an accident, as this can affect the cost of your policy.
Consider Advanced Driving Courses
If you want to improve your driving skills, you may want to consider taking an advanced driving course. Taking an advanced driving course can improve your driving skills, boost your confidence and make you a safer driver in various situations.
You can even get help from the instructor who taught you the initial lessons and enabled you to pass your driving test. It’s suggested to ask your instructor to teach you how to drive on a bigger road with traffic to polish your skills.
You Can Now Drive Your Car
After passing your driving test and getting car insurance, you can now drive. But it’s important to remember the following things for your first drive alone.
- Avoid driving on motorways initially, and consider taking a post-test lesson on motorways with your driving instructor.
- Consider using P-plates to indicate to other drivers that you’re new and may need more space and time to manoeuvre.
- Avoid picking up rowdy friends, as they can be distracting and may encourage you to show off, leading to dangerous driving.
By being cautious and avoiding distractions, you can have a safe and successful first drive after passing your driving test.
